Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0042373 (vascular disease)
17,070 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Several reports indicate higher endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in patients with non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), although this finding has not been confirmed by other studies. The discrepancy may be partially explained by the frequent coexistence in NIDDM patients of other pathologies, such as essential hypertension, and by the presence of diabetic vascular complications or renal failure, able, per se, to increase ET-1 circulating levels. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of arterial hypertension and/or of diabetic angiopathy on ET-1 circulating levels in a group of NIDDM patients. We measured ET-1 plasma concentrations in three groups of subjects: a) 22 NIDDM patients with or without hypertension and with or without vascular complications; b) 11 hypertensive patients; c) 14 age-matched healthy volunteers. Plasma ET-1 concentrations were significantly higher in NIDDM patients with angiopathy (7.3 +/- 0.7 pg/ml, mean +/- Standard Error; p < 0.001) than diabetics without angiopathy (4.4 +/- 0.53 pg/ml), hypertensive patients (4.7 +/- 0.85 pg/ml) and healthy subjects (3.1 +/- 0.19 pg/ml). This report indicates that increased plasma ET-1 levels in NIDDM patients may be ascribed only to those with vascular compliances, while hypertension, per se, does not affect ET-1 plasma levels in these patients.
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PMID:Vascular damage and not hypertension per se influences endothelin-1 plasma levels in patients with non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. 927 Feb 91

Important vascular proteins such as endothelin-1 (ET-1) promote the development of cardiovascular diseases. Oestrogen, and perhaps progesterone, prevent the development of vascular disease in women through incompletely understood cellular mechanisms. We hypothesized that oestradiol or progesterone might regulate the production of ET-1 as a potential novel mechanism. We found that serum and angiotensin II (AII) significantly stimulated ET-1 secretion from cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells, inhibited 50-75% by oestradiol or by progesterone. Serum and AII stimulated ET-1 mRNA levels, inhibited at least 70% by oestradiol and by progesterone. Serum stimulated ET-1 transcription mainly through the first 43 nucleotides of the ET-1 promoter, but oestradiol and progesterone did not inhibit this. In contrast, AII stimulated ET-1 transcription through nucleotides -143 to -98, specifically involving an activator protein-1 (AP-1) site at -102. Oestradiol and progesterone caused a 60-70% inhibition of AII-stimulated wild-type construct -. 143ET-1/CAT activity (CAT is chloramphenicol acyltransferase). AII-stimulation of ET-1 transcription was critically dependent on stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (erk) activity, inhibited by oestradiol and progesterone. In summary, we found that sex steroids inhibit AII-induced erk signalling to the ET-1 transcriptional programme. This novel mechanism of negative transcriptional regulation by oestradiol and progesterone decreases the production of ET-1, potentially contributing to the vascular protective effects of these steroids.
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PMID:Oestrogen and progesterone inhibit the stimulated production of endothelin-1. 949 73

The beta-amyloid (A beta 1-40) peptide has previously been shown to enhance phenylephrine contraction of aortic rings in vitro. We have employed a novel observation, that A beta peptides enhance endothelin-1 (ET-1) contraction, to examine the relationship between vasoactivity and potential amyloidogenicity of A beta peptides, the role played by free radicals and calcium in the vasoactive mechanism, and the requirement of an intact endothelial layer for enhancement of vasoactivity. Rings of rat aortae were constricted with ET-1 before and after addition of amyloid peptide and/or other compounds, and a comparison was made between post- and pre-treatment contractions. In this system, vessel constriction is consistently dramatically enhanced by A beta 1-40, is enhanced less so by A beta 1-42, and is not enhanced by A beta 25-35. The endothelium is not required for A beta vasoactivity, and calcium channel blockers have a greater effect than antioxidants in blocking enhancement of vasoconstriction by A beta peptides. In contrast to A beta-induced cytotoxicity, A beta-induced vasoactivity is immediate, occurs in response to low doses of freshly solubilized peptide, and appears to be inversely related to the amyloidogenic potential of the A beta peptides. We conclude that the mechanism of A beta vasoactivity is distinct from that of A beta cytotoxicity. Although free radicals appear to modulate the vasoactive effects, the lack of requirement for endothelium suggests that loss of the free radical balance (between NO and O2-) may be a secondary influence on A beta enhancement of vasoconstriction. These effects of A beta on isolated vessels, and reported effects of A beta in cells of the vasculature, suggest that A beta-induced disruption of vascular tone may be a factor in the pathogenesis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer's disease. Although the mechanism of enhanced vasoconstriction is unknown, it is reasonable to propose that in vivo contact of A beta peptides with small cerebral vessels may increase their tendency to constrict and oppose their tendency to relax. The subclinical ischemia resulting from this would be expected to up-regulate beta APP production in and around the vasculature with further increase in A beta formation and deposition. The disruptive and degenerative effects of such a cycle would lead to the complete destruction of cerebral vessels and consequently neuronal degeneration in the affected areas.
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PMID:Characteristics of the in vitro vasoactivity of beta-amyloid peptides. 951 24

To determine the effect of chronic cigarette smoking on renal function, a cross-sectional study was carried out with 30 subjects who had no known vascular disease risk factor other than cigarette smoking, and 24 age- and sex-matched controls without any vascular risk factor including cigarette smoking. Renal function by radionuclide studies of renal plasma flow, GFR, and plasma endothelin-1 concentration was determined. Compared with nonsmokers, smokers had a renal function impairment characterized by a normal GFR and a significant reduction in renal plasma flow as reflected by MAG3 clearance (199.20 +/- 58.85 ml/min per 1.73 m2 versus 256.54 +/- 60.14 ml/min per 1.73 m2; t = 3.52, P < 0.001). MAG3 clearance was significantly correlated with age and smoking. The renal dysfunction was associated with an increase in plasma endothelin-1 concentration (21.56 +/- 1.15 pmol/L versus 25.01 +/- 3.21 pmol/L; t = 5.00, P < 0.001). Former smokers as well had similar, although milder, abnormalities. In conclusion, cigarette smokers manifest an impairment of renal function, suggesting that smoke may have a detrimental effect on renal function.
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PMID:Renal impairment in chronic cigarette smokers. 955 57

Abeta peptides are thought to be centrally involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, although Abeta's pathophysiological mechanisms remain to be elucidated. We previously showed that soluble beta-amyloid1-40 (Abeta) and Abeta1-42 exhibit vasoactive properties, and are able to promote vasoconstriction in rat aortae induced by an endogenous vasoconstrictor, endothelin-1. It is well established that the APOE epsilon4 allele confers risk for both familial and sporadic AD, as well as for hypertension. We now report that physiologic amounts (10 nM) of specific human recombinant apoE isoforms are vasoactive (E4 > E3, and not E2) in isolated rat aortae. In order to investigate if various apoE isoforms could modulate Abeta vasoactivity, we co-incubated Abeta1-40 with various isoforms of apoE in our tissue bath system. Our results show that, while none of the APOE isoforms are able to affect the maximum constriction induced by Abeta; the apoE E4 isoform synergistically enhances the rate of vasoconstriction induced by Abeta. Our data suggest that apoE may promote hypertension and contribute to AD pathogenesis via enhancement of vasoconstriction, and support a link between hypertension, cerebral amyloid angiopathy and AD.
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PMID:Isoform-specific vasoconstriction induced by apolipoprotein E and modulation of this effect by Alzheimer's beta-amyloid peptide. 985 6

1. In the normal blood vessel, the vascular endothelium regulates the tone of the underlying smooth muscle and the reactivity of blood elements, such as platelets and neutrophils, by the release of mediators, in particular nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1). 2. Nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator that also inhibits platelet and neutrophil aggregation and adhesion; ET-1 is the most potent mammalian vasoconstrictor peptide yet found. Recently, much research effort has focused on examining the interactions between these two important mediators. At a simple level, ET-1 acts on specific receptors on the endothelium to increase the release of NO, while NO depresses the production and/or release of ET-1 from endothelial cells. 3. While ET-1 appears to have a relatively small influence on the basal regulation of blood pressure, NO appears central. For example, inhibition of NO production in normotensive animals produces a marked elevation in blood pressure. 4. Conversely, numerous vascular disease states have been associated with elevations in the production and/or release of ET-1 and it has been implicated in the deleterious changes associated with ischaemia-reperfusion injury, subarachnoid haemorrhage and hypertension. In these conditions, NO production may also be increased by the induction of NO synthetic pathways within the vascular smooth muscle. Endothelin-1 may also be produced by the vascular smooth muscle under similar circumstances. 5. Therefore, in pathological states, a new balance between NO and ET-1 production may be central to changes in blood vessel reactivity, smooth muscle proliferation and blood coagulability.
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PMID:Relationships between the endothelin and nitric oxide pathways. 1008 22

Lipid-lowering statin treatment reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and improves endothelial function in patients with hypercholesterolemia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate plasma levels of fibrinogen, factor VII, and the macrophage-derived inflammatory mediator neopterin during lipid lowering. In addition, the endothelial production of platelet antiaggregatory and vasodilatory factors such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin, and vasoconstrictive factors such as endothelin-1, was assessed. Plasma fibrinogen, factor VII, endothelin-1, and the neopterin and intraplatelet nitric oxide and prostacyclin mediators cyclic 3'-5'guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and cyclic 3'-5'adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) were measured before and 6 months after the institution of treatment with fluvastatin in 17 patients (eight men and nine women, median age 60 years) with vascular disease and previously untreated hypercholesterolemia. After 6 months, a decrease of 1.62 mmol/l [1.26-2.18 (19%); P < 0.01] was noted in levels of total cholesterol, and a decrease of 1.70 mmol/l [1.52-2.30 (28%); P < 0.01] in levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Plasma levels of fibrinogen had increased [from 4.81 g/l (4.26-5.27) to 5.17 g/l (4.81-5.67); P < 0.05], whereas no significant changes had occurred in intraplatelet levels of cGMP [decrease by 0.05 pmol/10(9) platelets (-0.17 to 0.24); NS], cAMP [decrease by 0.13 pmol/10(9) platelets (-0.37 to 0.86); NS], plasma endothelin-1 [decrease by 0.05 pg/ml (-0.60 to 0.70); NS], plasma factor VII [from 1.14 IE/ml (0.58-1.38) to 1.22 IE/ml (0.96-1.46); NS], or plasma neopterin [from 8.6 nmol/l (7.1-11.5) to 8.7 nmol/l (7.9-11.3); NS]. In conclusion, during cholesterol-lowering treatment with fluvastatin, plasma levels of fibrinogen increased whereas intraplatelet cyclic nucleotide levels and plasma endothelin-1, factor VII and neopterin levels were unchanged.
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PMID:Increasing plasma fibrinogen, but unchanged levels of intraplatelet cyclic nucleotides, plasma endothelin-1, factor VII, and neopterin during cholesterol lowering with fluvastatin. 1035 7

Hyperhomocysteinemia is believed to be responsible for the development of vascular disease via several mechanisms, including the impairment of endothelial-cell functionality. In-vitro studies have demonstrated that homocysteine decreases the production or bioavailability of vasodilator autacoids, such as prostacyclin and NO. Here, we show that the treatment of human endothelial cells with noncytotoxic homocysteine concentrations leads to a dose-dependent decrease in both the secretion of the vasoconstrictor agent endothelin-1 (ET-1) and the level of its mRNA. Homocysteine had an inhibitory effect at pathophysiological (0.1 and 0.5 mmol.L(-1)) and pharmacological noncytotoxic (1.0 and 2.0 mmol.L(-1)) concentrations. Mean percentage variation from control for ET-1 production was -36. 2 +/- 18.9% for 0.5 mmol.L(-1) homocysteine and -41.5 +/- 26.8% for 1.0 mmol.L(-1) homocysteine, after incubation for 8 h. Mean percentage variation from control for steady-state mRNA was -17.3 +/- 7.1% for 0.5 mmol.L(-1) homocysteine and -46.0 +/- 10.1 for 1.0 mmol.L(-1) homocysteine, after an incubation time of 2 h. ET-1 production was also reduced by incubation with various other thiol compounds containing free thiol groups, but not by incubation with thiol compounds with no free thiol group. Co-incubation of cells with homocysteine and the sulfhydryl inhibitor N-ethylmaleimide prevented the effect of homocysteine on ET-1 production, confirming a sulfhydryl-dependent mechanism. Based on the reciprocal feedback mechanism controlling the synthesis of vasoactive mediators, these preliminary data suggest a mechanism by which homocysteine may selectively impair endothelium-dependent vasodilation by primary inhibition of ET-1 production.
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PMID:Homocysteine decreases endothelin-1 production by cultured human endothelial cells. 1040 44

Skin, arteries and nerves of the upper extremities can be affected by vibration exposure. Recent advances in skin and vascular biology as well as new investigative methods, have shown that neurovascular symptoms may be due to different vascular and neurological disorders which should be differentiated if proper management is to be evaluated. Three types of vascular disorder can be observed in the vibration white finger: digital organic microangiopathy, a digital vasospastic phenomenon and arterial thrombosis in the upper extremities. An imbalance between endothelin-1 and calcitonin-gene-related peptide is probably responsible for the vasospastic phenomenon. Moreover, paresthesiae can be due to either a diffuse vibration neuropathy or a carpal tunnel syndrome. A precise diagnosis is then necessary to adapt the treatment to individual cases. A classification describing the type and severity of the vascular lesions is presented. Asymptomatic lesions are included for adequate epidemiological studies and risk assessment of vibrating tools. Monitoring of vibration exposed workers should include not only a questionnaire about symptoms, but also a clinical evaluation including diagnostic tests for the screening of early asymptomatic neurovascular injuries.
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PMID:Pathophysiology and classification of the vibration white finger. 1078 29

Preeclampsia is a mainly vascular disease of pregnancy, probably caused by an imbalance between vasodilator and vasoconstrictor agents that results in generalized vasospasm and poor perfusion in many organs. Among these factors, endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor, is highly increased in preeclamptic women, while nitric oxide (NO), a vasodilator of human utero-placental arteries, is reduced in the same patients. The present study was designed to investigate the interactions between ET-1 and the NO system in the feto-placental unit; to this purpose we also examined the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of ET-1, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in human cultured placental trophoblastic cells obtained from preeclamptic (PE) and normotensive (NT) pregnancies. We also studied whether exogenous ET-1 may affect the expression of iNOS and eNOS in human placental trophoblastic cells. Interestingly, by Northern blot analysis we observed an increased ET-1 mRNA expression level in PE trophoblastic cells compared to NT trophoblastic cells. Furthermore, exogenous ET-1 (10(-7) mol/L) was able to up-regulate its own mRNA expression in both NT and PE trophoblastic cells. iNOS and eNOS mRNA expression was then detected, by semiquantitative PCR, in both NT and PE trophoblastic cells. PE trophoblastic cells expressed lower iNOS mRNA levels compared with NT pregnancies. On the contrary, eNOS mRNA expression was higher in PE trophoblastic cells than in NT cells. Moreover, in the presence of ET-1 we observed a decrease in iNOS and an increase in eNOS mRNA expression levels in both NT and PE trophoblastic cells compared with the respective untreated cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that ET-1 expression is increased in PE cells, whereas iNOS, which represents the main source of NO synthesis, is decreased; conversely, eNOS expression is increased. Finally, ET-1 is able to influence its own as well as NOS isoform expression in normal and PE trophoblastic cultured cells. These findings suggest the existence of a functional relationships between ET(s) and NOS isoforms that could constitute the biological mechanism leading to the reduced placental blood flow and increased resistance to flow in the feto-maternal circulation, which are characteristic of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
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PMID:Expression and relationship between endothelin-1 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and inducible/endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA isoforms from normal and preeclamptic placentas. 1085 70


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